Sporting Gijon's English forward Nick Blackman came off the bench to score the winner as the Spanish second-tier side beat floundering Valencia 2-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Blackman, on loan from Derby County, had been on the pitch for under 60 seconds when he headed home from close range after Valencia had failed to properly clear a corner, giving Sporting a famous victory at their Molinon ground.

Jan 5 (Reuters) - Alaves continued their excellent home form by recovering to beat struggling Spanish powerhouse Valencia 2-1 on Saturday, climbing into fourth place in La Liga and boosting their chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

Valencia captain Dani Parejo gave the visitors the lead with a swerving free kick in the 14th minute but Alaves, who are the only side in Spain's top flight alongside Atletico Madrid to still be unbeaten at home this season, soon...

Lionel Messi and Barcelona made quick work of Levante, as the league leaders further solidified their position atop the table with another three points.

ESPN FC's Ale Moreno breaks down the latest transfers surrounding Zinedine Zidane, Alvaro Morata and many more in Transfer Rater.

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Valencia to sign centre-back Jeison Murillo on loan until the end of the season, the Spanish champions have confirmed.

Sources revealed to ESPN FC earlier on Thursday that talks were ongoing between the two clubs to close an operation ahead of the January transfer window, with Valencia holding out for a fee in the region of €2 million for the six-month loan.

Valencia say Portugal forward Goncalo Guedes will be sidelined for around two months after needing surgery to his abdomen.

The Spanish club said on Friday the 22-year-old Guedes had been operated on to treat a "weakness in the abdominal wall suffered in recent weeks."

Guedes was one of Valencia's best players last season, when he scored five goals after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Valencia bought him outright before this season for a reported €40 million.